The original lard is pig fat that has been rendered and clarified. It may be used for cooking or as a spread. In Poland smalec is served as a starter on a thick slice of sourdough bread with a pickled cucumber. It's often mixed with pork scratchings and onion. This form is also popular in Germany where lard is known as Schweineschmalz. Although the vegan version consists mainly of beans and only a little fat, the taste and consistency resemble the traditional lard.